Termite infestation may derail grandma's National Day joy

MELAKA: For the past twenty years, Rahimah Tompang, 68, has spent thousands of ringgit to decorate her century-old ancestral house before National Day.

Rahima, whose house in Kampung Pengkalan Batu, draws many tourists, creatively blends items such as a vintage bicycle and various vases in her decorations.

To demonstrate her patriotism this year, she decorated her home with dozens of Jalur Gemilang, among others.

"It took two weeks to finish. I find it fulfilling to see my home covered in Jalur Gemilang," she said when interviewed here on Tuesday (Aug 16).

Rahimah said she first started decorating her home in 2000, when all of her children were still small.

"Today, I am a grandmother and still express my love for the nation by using my savings to decorate my home," she said, adding she has 14 children and 50 grandchildren.

However, Rahimah is also appealing for assistance from the state government as her house is infested by termites.

"This house was built in 1917 and I don't know how long the structure would last as it has been badly damaged by termites.

"I hope the state government will help save my home, " she added.